A new study from California State University suggests that individual tendencies, such as personal commitment and susceptibility to temptation, are the main reasons for infidelity, rather than the quality of the relationship.
Researchers surveyed 1912 married or cohabiting individuals, asking about their commitment to their relationship and their partner's behavior. The study, published in Deviant Behavior, found that those who were highly committed to their relationship were 78% less likely to cheat. This challenges the belief that a lack of passion or intimacy drives cheating.
The study emphasizes that cheating is a personal decision, largely unaffected by the actions of the partner or the level of intimacy of the relationship. Loving and being infatuated with a partner does not necessarily prevent cheating.
Previous studies have linked infidelity to dissatisfaction, lack of intimacy, and partner attractiveness. However, this study highlights that personal commitment plays a crucial role in staying faithful.
Jeff Yoo, a marriage therapist, points out that communication and trust are vital to a healthy relationship. When these fail, the relationship is at higher risk of infidelity and eventual failure.
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